Hongwei Hsiao, Ph.D.

Professor and Rogelio Benavides Memorial Chair

Dr. Hongwei Hsiao is a Professor and the Rogelio Benavides Memorial Chair of Industrial Engineering and Industrial Safety at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. He oversees the Smart Technology Advancement Research (STAR) lab and Safe Occupational Automation Research (SOAR) lab, dedicated to industrial innovation and public safety. His research portfolio encompasses first responder technology, emergency vehicle safety, big data applications and AI for workplace safety and health, hazard investigation and control, big data utilization for protective gear design, digital twin applications for roadway safety, and multi-system smart technology integration. He teaches Robotics and Automation, Human-Systems Interface, Human Factors Engineering, Project Management, and Capstone Projects. Dr. Hsiao also serves as an adjunct professor of public health at Texas A&M University – College Station. He has partnered with multiple universities on projects supported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Department of Transportation (DOT), and industrial sectors.

Prior to holding his current position, Dr. Hsiao was Chief of the Protective Technology Branch and Coordinator of the Center for Occupational Robotics Research with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, where he directed eight state-of-the-art laboratories and their associated programs for 25 years and engaged over $100M worth of research ventures. Dr. Hsiao also boasts a wealth of experience with four years in the manufacturing industry and 20 years as an adjunct professor with West Virginia University.

As an editorial board member for nine scientific journals, Dr. Hsiao also has demonstrated his scholarly proficiency, contributing to over 200 publications, patents, and apps. His expertise extends to delivering more than 100 presentations on technology applications for workplace safety, public safety, and public health, including invited keynotes at international conventions and workshops in England, Brazil, Japan, Finland, Korea, and other countries. In addition, Dr. Hsiao has lent his expertise as a technical advisory board member to several research organizations and universities and has mentored seven doctoral students, nine postdoc fellows, and many undergraduate students.

Dr. Hsiao's accomplishments have earned him recognition with more than 20 prestigious awards. Notably, he is a Fellow of three esteemed organizations - the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (US), Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (UK), and International Ergonomics Association (Global). Additionally, he was credentialed as a Silvio O. Conte Senior Biomedical Research Service Fellow by the U.S. Government in 2003 and held an eminent title of CDC Distinguished Consultant during 2003-2021.